Pittwater Council successfully moved a motion regarding supply of broadband services at the 2006 Local Government Association of New South Wales Annual Conference. The motion proposed that the New South Wales Government make it compulsory for developers constructing dwellings in new residential land releases to provide necessary communications infrastructure. This will enable broadband services to be available prior to construction and occupation of dwellings.
Pittwater delegates told the conference that the cost of providing infrastructure for broadband services after residential and/or commercial dwellings have been constructed can be considerably higher than if it were planned and installed prior.
“Council’s successful motion results from the findings of our recent Technology Forum, which was held to investigate the feasibility of providing community based high speed broadband services to all of Pittwater, and the social and economic benefits resulting from this,” said Pittwater Mayor, Alex McTaggart. “The forum was facilitated by technology industry analyst and consultant, Paul Budde. It was attended by Councillors, senior staff, and key stakeholders in the Pittwater community from various industries including business, finance, seniors, medical, education, entertainment and information technology.
“Paul Budde gave a comprehensive briefing on both the technicalities of community based high speed broadband services and also the major social and economic benefits resulting from this, which are evident across Europe and parts of Australia. These range from social interaction for elderly residents to electricity cost savings and sustainability advantages.”
Forum participants developed an Action Plan for the implementation of improved broadband access to the residents of Pittwater. Council recently supported the Action Plan as part of a report on the Technology Forum at its meeting in November. The strategic objective will now be included as a key element of the Pittwater 2030 Vision for the future of Pittwater.
“As an award winning leader and innovator in technology based systems for Local Government in Australia, it is appropriate that Pittwater Council lead the way in advocating high technology solutions for our communities,” Mayor McTaggart said.
For further information contact Steve Rawe, Manager Business and Administration, on (02) 9970 1106.
